We all know that one foodie who has plenty of specialty ingredients but could use maybe one (or two) more to complete their collection. Luckily, you don’t need to search high and low for tasty options as I’ve found some of the best Christmas food gifts that will become pantry must-haves. From hot sauces to espresso to fruit jam, browsing this list could have your taste buds watering–and I wouldn’t have it any other way. The best part is, all of these items are well under $100 so your wallet won’t take a huge hit while doing last-minute shopping. Here are my top nine picks to gift the foodie in your life, whether that’s a loved one or yourself, this holiday season!
1. Yun Hai – Taiwanese Fruit Jam Gift Box
Nothing beats smearing sweet yet tart jam on a piece of toast or stirring it in oatmeal. So, if you know someone who’s love for jam runs deep, Yun Hai’s Taiwanese Fruit Jam Gift Box is the perfect choice. It contains four flavors: Irwin Mango, Mulberry, Passionfruit Pumpkin and Red Guava. The jams are made in small batches with only sugar and lemon added to the fruit. Plus, the jams can be added to savory dishes for a subtle fruity taste.
2. Caroline’s Cakes – 7-Layer Caramel Cake
One of the best ways to indulge a sweet tooth is by savoring Caroline Cake’s 7-Layer Caramel Cake. Moist yellow cake is layered with buttery caramel icing, which is coated on the outside of the cake. Its rich and sweet taste shines through in each slice. Therefore, the bakery recommends serving the nine-inch cake in smaller slices when you’re ready to enjoy it.
3. Dumpling Daughter – Dumpling Connoisseur Bundle
Is it a stretch to say that dumplings are semi-addicting? I don’t think so! In fact, the Dumpling Connoisseur Bundle from Dumpling Daughter is a great choice for those who need their fill of this Chinese staple. The bundle is complete with two boxes each of pork and chive dumplings, vegetable dumplings and chicken and cabbage dumplings. The company’s Spicy Sweet Soy Secret Sauce is also included for dipping once the dumplings are steamed or pan-fried to delicious perfection. (For extra crispy dumplings, here’s how to make a dumpling skirt.)
4. Sugarwish – The Cocktail Mixers
For a fun Christmas food gift idea, send a family member or friend a set of Sugarwish Cocktail Mixers. How it works is you’ll choose the amount of mixers that come in the set and they get to experiment with flavors from Sugarwish’s collection. These all-natural mixers are great for using in cocktails or mocktails to make a simple drink extra special.
5. Droosh – Hot Sauce Variety Pack
For hot sauce that delivers on heat and complex flavors, look no further than Droosh’s Hot Sauce Variety Pack. The pack features their tangy and zesty jalapeño green chutney alongside their sweet and sour mango chutney–both made with gluten-free ingredients and no artificial colors or preservatives. Drizzle it on your favorite Indian dishes, breakfast staples or savory meals for a bold flavor kick.
6. Schermer Pecans – Hostess Collection
Give the gift of party-perfect snacking with Schermer Pecans’ Hostess Collection. It contains roasted and salted pecans as well as milk chocolate pecans. The collection comes in two sizes: small (with a 10-oz. bag of roasted and salted and a 12 oz. bag of chocolate) and large (with three 10-oz. bags of roasted and salted and three 12 oz. bags of chocolate). The combination of sweet and salty pecans makes for a nice flavor contrast as you’re eating them.
7. Keep It Savory Salt Co. – Creative Connoisseur Box
Infusing meals with that extra oomph couldn’t be simpler thanks to the Creative Connoisseur Box from Keep It Savory Salt Co. The box showcases three flavored sea salts that enhance the flavors of any sweet or savory dish. Sprinkle the vanilla bean salt on top of freshly baked cookies, season poultry like chicken or duck with the lavender salt and line the rim of your favorite cocktail or mocktail with the Mediterranean citrus salt. It’s clear that salt is anything but a boring seasoning!
8. Café Aroma – Especial Blend
Espresso lovers can start their mornings off right by brewing Café Aroma’s Especial Blend. The 100% Arabica whole bean blend features notes of smoked caramel and dark caramel. Not only does this make it perfect for espresso drinks, like a Spanish latte, but also espresso-based cocktails. In addition to its flavor and versatility, the espresso comes in an eye-catching sleek yet festive red box.
9. Drizzle – Stocking Stuffing Bundle
The Stocking Stuffing Bundle from Drizzle is essential for anyone who loves using honey to add a touch of sweetness tea, homemade salad dressing or toast. In the bundle, you’ll find a trio of the brand’s signature raw honey varieties: White Raw Honey, Turmeric Gold Raw Honey and Cinnamon Spiced Raw Honey. The buddle also comes with a bamboo dipper, which is handy for drizzling the right amount of honey into foods and drinks.
